Last updated: March 2026
What Is the Landscaping Material Calculator?
The Landscaping Material Calculator helps you figure out exactly how much gravel, crushed stone, sand, topsoil, or other bulk material you need for any outdoor project. It calculates volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, estimated material cost, and approximate dump truck loads so you can order with confidence.
Whether you are covering a garden path with pea gravel, building a gravel driveway, filling raised beds with topsoil, or laying a drainage layer of crushed stone, this tool handles the math. Support for multiple area shapes and up to eight separate zones makes it easy to plan even complex landscape projects in one session.
Choosing the Right Landscaping Material
Pea gravel is smooth and rounded, ideal for garden paths, patios, and decorative ground cover. Its small size (3/8 inch) makes it comfortable to walk on but it does migrate without proper edging.
Crushed stone has angular edges that lock together, making it the best choice for driveways, parking pads, and base layers. The #57 size (3/4 to 1 inch) is the most popular for residential projects.
Decomposed granite compacts into a firm, natural-looking surface perfect for walkways and xeriscaping. It drains well and provides a rustic aesthetic that blends with most landscapes.
River rock is large and decorative (1 to 3 inches), commonly used around water features, in dry creek beds, and as accent borders. It is the most expensive option but requires virtually no maintenance once placed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A typical single-car driveway of 10 by 20 feet at the recommended 6-inch total depth (4-inch base layer plus 2-inch top layer) requires about 3.7 cubic yards or roughly 5 tons of gravel. A double-wide 20 by 20 foot driveway doubles that to about 7.4 cubic yards or 10 tons. Use our driveway quick mode for an instant calculation with your exact dimensions.
What is the difference between tons and cubic yards?
Cubic yards measure volume (how much space the material fills), while tons measure weight. The conversion depends on the material density. One cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 1.35 tons, while one cubic yard of decomposed granite weighs about 1.50 tons. Suppliers typically sell gravel by the ton, so knowing both measurements helps you order accurately and compare prices.
How deep should gravel be?
Depth depends on the application. Decorative landscaping beds need 2 to 3 inches. Walkways and garden paths need 3 to 4 inches. Driveways need 4 to 6 inches total, ideally with a 4-inch compacted base of angular crushed stone and a 2-inch top layer of finer gravel. Drainage projects may need 6 to 12 inches depending on water volume.
How many tons fit in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck carries about 10 tons (roughly 7 to 8 cubic yards of gravel). A tandem-axle dump truck holds 15 to 18 tons. A tri-axle can carry up to 25 tons. Most residential deliveries use single or tandem-axle trucks. Always confirm weight limits with your delivery company, as local road and bridge restrictions may apply.
Should I order extra material?
Yes, always order 5 to 10 percent more than your calculated amount. Uneven ground, compaction during spreading, material that gets pushed outside the work area, and natural settling all consume extra material. Running short mid-project often means paying a second delivery fee, which costs far more than the extra material would have.